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🌞 Where to stay cool around town

🌞 Where to stay cool around town

Summer is making itself known this weekend so here are the best places to stay cool around Bend and other news from Central Oregon.

Derek Carlson
July 05, 2024

Good morning, Bend. Rob Thomas may have well been singing about Bend this upcoming weekend when he started with the lyrics, Man, it’s a hot one. I recommend you read this Friday edition of the Bend Buzz while floating on a tube down the Deschutes. Just don’t end up getting @lootthedeschutes involved…

In today’s Bend Buzz:

Best places to stay cool around Bend 🥵
A long-awaited Asian grocery store is here 🥳
First Friday is back 🥂

Time to get started.

— Derek Carlson

SNAPSHOTS

🦁 It’s getting hot in here…

Summer is roaring in like a lion, and temperatures will be scorching around the Pacific Northwest. Expect multiple days in a row of 100 degrees or higher with no immediate cooldown in sight. Luckily for us, if there’s one thing Bendites love, it's heading up to the mountains, so we’ll be joining you all up there while the heat is on.

⛰️ McKenzie Pass is Open

Bikers looking for an incredible road ride and parents looking for carsick kids finally have one of the best options in Central Oregon at their disposal again. The McKenzie Pass road was closed for a few extra weeks this year as crews repaved the top sections, but as of July 4th, it is fully open to traffic. Rejoice!

❌ Firefighters - 1, Fires - 0

The Darlene fire near La Pine, which threatened homes and forced evacuations of people and pets, has been fully contained! Expect closures to slowly be rolled back and recreation areas to reopen as they mop up remaining hot spots. Way to go, crews!

@thebendbuzz

📸 @roamthenorthwest | 📍Deschutes River

Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🎉 Tomi Mart is Open:

Bend's long-awaited Asian grocery is finally here! Starting TODAY, you can stop by to pick up hard-to-find specialty items without resorting to Amazon or driving over the pass to Portland. They are rolling out a soft opening, so head over to their Instagram account for updated hours. 1180 SE 3rd St F

🚴 Chariot Bike’s new digs:

What started as a mobile bike service that was run out of the back of a Sprinter van has grown into a full-blown bike shop. After a couple of moves, Chariot Bike has finished up the renovation of their forever shop off of Newport & College Way. Stop by to check out the new digs and their selection of bike packing bags, specialty frames, and other hard-to-find gear. 1444 NW College Way

🗳️ Best of Bend is here:

Voting is officially open for The Source Weekly’s annual Best of Central Oregon. Vote online or in person (check out the Source’s latest issue for a paper ballot) by July 14th, and keep an eye out for the results in a future issue.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday

🛶 Piano Flow Float: Relax to the sounds of live music from pianist and composer Paula Dreyer while you float the Deschutes on your paddleboard, kayak, or float. Paula will be set up with her piano on shore, and the music will be wirelessly streamed to headphones provided to all attendees. 5:30 & 7:30 PM Riverbend Park

🎨 Art and Cocktails at First Friday: First Friday is back for another round of noshing, sipping, and strolling. Head over to @visitdowntownbend for an up-to-date list of downtown businesses that will be partaking this month. Remember to stop by The Commons, which will have live music, dancing, and drinks.

Saturday

🥕 Support Your Farmers: Summer is in full swing, which means it’s farmers market season. Head up to Northwest Crossing to pick up locally grown produce and fresh Oregon berries and browse the artisan vendors selling everything from candles to handmade pottery. 10 AM - 2 PM NW Crossing Dr.

⚾ Peanuts and Crackerjacks: Cap off the 4th of July weekend with the most American of all sporting events: a baseball game. The Bend Elks are back for a weekend series against the Yakima Valley Pippins, so grab a hot dog and a beer and cheer on the team. 6:35 PM 401 SE Roosevelt Ave

🎵 Dance the Night Away: Celebrate summer with some Americana jams from platinum-selling Americana band Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird at the amphitheater. 6 PM Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Sunday

🤖 Meet Your Makers: Stop by the DIY cave for snacks, drinks, and a chance to chat up some of Bend’s makers, crafters, and tinkerers. They’ll be selling their handmade goods, so bring that wallet. 12 - 4 PM 444 SE 9th St #150

LIVE MUSIC

Friday

Sunday

BEND ADVENTURE GUIDE

😎 Where to Keep Your Cool Around Bend

Summer is here, and the temperatures are going to be hot 🥵, so here’s our guide to the best places to cool off around the high desert. Remember to be careful in area lakes and rivers, as despite the high temperatures, the water will still be downright chilly!

Deschutes River

Running right through the middle of town, it doesn’t get any easier than this. Rent a tube from Tumalo Creek to float the river or take a dip at Farewell Bend Park.

Devils Lake

Unlike nearby Todd Lake, which is still surrounded by thick mud and snowbanks, Devils Lake is open and available to paddlers. Bring your bug spray or hope there’s a breeze, as it is mosquito season on the high lakes.

Alpenglow Park

One of Bend’s newest parks is also one of the best on hot summer days. The kids can play in the splash pad while you lounge in the shade under a tree.

Juniper Pool

I can’t promise a quiet, relaxing day at Juniper, but I can promise hours of fun on the waterslide and splash pad.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake is Bend’s destination resort for boating, swimming, paddling, and beach time. Prepare for crowds and full parking lots, but luckily, there is plenty of room to spread out and find your own space.

THANKS!

Thank you to everyone who read, shared, and provided amazing feedback on the first edition of the Bend Buzz!

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